The Survival Kit for New Christians

Here is an outline of the information found in the Survival Kit for New Christians, Ralph W. Neighbor, Jr., 1979, Convention Press, way back from when I was in college!

INTRODUCTION:

The Hand Illustration:

Thumb = 1 Body
Pointer Finger = 2 Natures
Middle Finger = 3 Aspects of Salvation
Ring Finger = 4 Sources of Authority
Pinky Finger = 5&5 Principle

NEARLY ALL NEW CHRISTIANS GO THROUGH THESE STAGES:

The Honeymoon Stage: Jesus has literally just come into your life and you are now a part of the Body of Christ.
The Fight Stage: Like all married couples, there will come the first fight, and you will feel defeated and hurt; when the new nature enters your life, the old nature did not die.
The Doubting Stage: If not taught properly, many new Christians enter a doubting stage; I don’t see much change in my life so maybe it was not a real experience.
The Panic-Search-for-Truth Stage: We will cover the sources of truth (3 inadequate and 1 true).
The Silent Christian Stage: This is when we know what to say and why, but we keep silent.

WEEK 1 – The Indwelling Christ

Day 1
- How to establish a quiet time
  - Have a specific time and place for it.
  - Be consistent.
  - Have a Bible and a pencil handy.
  - Begin with prayer.
  - End with a definite project for the day, related to what you have learned.
- Bible Study – 1 John 4:13-15
Day 2
- Your Bible as a source of Christian growth
  - Quiet times focus on Scripture.
  - Find a translation that you can understand.
  - Familiarize yourself with the various sections of the Bible.
  - It may be best to focus on Jesus in the gospel at first.
  - Scripture memory is a great way to get God’s Word into your mind and heart.
- Bible Study – Psalm 119:11, 15-16, 40:8
Day 3
- Learning to pray
  - This can be in private or in public.
  - God knows your words but likes to hear from you anyway.
  - Things to include in prayer:
    - Addressing him properly (Matthew 6:9)
    - Showing proper respect for God’s name (Matthew 6:9)
    - Committing ourselves to God’s plans (Matthew 6:10)
    - Asking God to meet our needs, not our wants (Matthew 6:11)
    - Asking for forgiveness (Matthew 6:12)
    - Asking for protection (Matthew 6:13)
    - Declaring God’s rule and reign (Matthew 6:13)
    - Ending our prayer time properly (Matthew 6:13)
- Bible Study – Matthew 6:9-13
Day 4
- Understanding what has happened to you
  - The old life is passed away, the new life is coming into being.
  - The old life is hostility toward God; enemies of God.
  - The old life enjoyed doing bad stuff (sin).
  - The new life seeks to be holy like God is holy.
  - The new life takes time to grow inside of you; we become more like Jesus with intentionality, it will never happen by accident.
- Bible Study – 2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 1:21-22, 27
Day 5
- A basic principle to choose by
  - The Christian life is not a long set of dos and don’ts.
  - Here is the principle: 1 Corinthians 10:31
  - You will be facing difficult choices every day.
  - The indwelling Christ controls all
- Bible Study – 1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 14:7-8

WEEK 2 – One Body – Its Life

Day 1
- One Body
  - Growth happens best in a garden; we are now part of a community.
  - Babies will not survive on their own, without loving parents.
  - The church is called: family, called-out ones, body of Christ, community of faith.
  - Many members = one body.
  - Every part has a role to play in the body.
  - We are baptized into the body, meaning total immersed in water as a symbol of our commitment to and identification with Jesus Christ.
  - Baptism is the first step of obedience for a new believer.
- Bible Study – Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
Day 2
- The Church, a Body
  - Ekklesia is translated assembly of “called-out ones” (the church gathered).
  - Imagine a group of people all doing their own things, no one working together.
  - When Jesus said, “follow me,” he knew when we all should be doing, individually and corporately.
  - We are the called-out ones, those who have responded to the invitation to follow Christ and be saved.
- Bible Study – 2 Timothy 1:8-10, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Ephesians 4″1-4
Day 3
- No divisions in the body
  - We are not independent believers.
  - We are interdependent upon one another.
  - We cannot survive without being together.
  - Imagine a roaring bonfire.
    - All the logs are on fire, but watch what happens when we take one log out and lay it aside.
    - The flames will reduce, being to smolder, and eventually go out.
    - The only way to reignite the log is to toss it back in the bonfire.
- Ordinances in the church
  - Baptism in the body: Romans 6:6
    - Experienced once at the beginning of your new life in Christ.
    - Symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
    - Demonstrate our death to sin and new life in Christ.
  - Lord’s Supper in the body: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
    - Experienced many times over a lifetime.
    - Symbolizes the broken body and shed blood of Jesus.
    - Demonstrated by examination of life, confession of sin, and repentance.
- Bible Study – 1 Corinthians 12:14-27
Day 4
- The church, a building
  - We know that the church is made up of followers of Jesus, it is not a building (although we use the term to describe the church the church meets).
  - Other illustrations: body, family, building (in the 1 Peter 2:4-5 “living stones” sense).
  - Stones are just rocks on the ground until someone takes a bunch of them and builds a wall or a building. The master shapes them cuts off rough edges. We are greater together.
- Bible Study – 1 Peter 2:1-10, Ephesians 2:19-22
Day 5
- New life in the body
  - The church is a radical new community of faith.
  - The church shared life together.
  - The church shared resources together.
  - The church was on mission together.
- Bible Study – Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-35

WEEK 3 – One Body – Its Service

Day 1
- One body – made for love
  - We are called to reveal and demonstrate love.
  - This love is for God and for others, even the brethren.
  - Love is more a verb than it is a noun.
    - I love you because…
    - I will love you if…
    - I love you anyway!
  - Love is nothing unless it is demonstrated through action or service.
  - Love is the greatest word we have in our language.
  - God has granted to us spiritual gifts to be used within the body.
  - We are channels of God’s love to the world; perhaps the only “Bible” people will ever read in their lifetime.
  - If we are rivers of God’s love, what impression of God will people have if they see us as a dry riverbed?
- Bible Study – 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, 1 Peter 4:10
Day 2
- Every member has a function
  - This is about spiritual gifts.
  - These are spiritual energies that allow us to do God’s work with a certain ease and effectiveness.
  - There is a difference between gifts and talents.
    - Piano playing is a talent, used for humans or God.
    - Faith is a gift that is used to glorify God.
  - In the study, we’ll see the words “different” and “same.”
  - The point is to discover your gift and exercise it.
- Bible Study – 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Ephesians 4:11-16
Day 3
- Gifts
  - When given a gift, the giver expects us to use it.
  - The issue is obedience, because of our love for Jesus.
  - The basics: we all have the gift of giving and the gift of serving.
  - God gives gifts to those he trusts.
  - What does obedience require? (Romans 12:1-3)
    - Transformation
    - Sacrifice
    - God’s will
  - What does God NOT want?
    - Being conformed to this world
    - Thinking highly of ourselves
  - Do not use your gifts in unholy ways.
  - Evaluate every day, “Have I been obedient today?”
- Bible Study – Romans 12:1-8, 1 Peter 1:13-16
Day 4
- Everyone has the gift of giving and the gift of service.
  - Giving is of one’s resources: time, talents, and treasure.
  - Service is doing activity for the kingdom of God for the glory of God.
  - At salvation, we have immediate use of our gifts.
  - The word “saints” involves the called-out ones, not so-called super Christians.
  - Where does Jesus call you to do acts of service?
  - Are you more aware of the presence of Christ these days?
  - Are you growing in your relationships with other church people?
- Bible Study – 1 Corinthians 1:4-8, 16:15-16, Acts 9:36-42
Day 5
- The gift of giving, meaning a person’s deliberate parting with possessions so that a change of ownership is brought about.
  - The key is letting the Spirit lead you to where your can serve others in Jesus’ name.
  - To where is Christ calling you?
  - We always have a decision to make, between obedience and disobedience.
  - The secret to greater maturity is your willingness to obey Jesus.
- Bible Study – 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-15

WEEK 4 – Two Natures, Part 1 – The New Nature

Day 1
- The New Nature
  - We have an old nature and a new nature.
  - The old nature is of the flesh and the new nature is of the spirit.
  - There is a battle over which nature will rule the day, or at least rule your choice.
  - If the right conditions are met, we are able to choose wisely.
  - The old nature is like gravity, it will always pull you down.
  - Your new nature function in love through exercising one of your two basic gifts, giving and serving.
  - What are signs that the old nature is in control? (Galatians 5:15).
  - The key is learning to walk in the spirit (Galatians 5:16).
- Bible Study – Galatians 5:13-18
Day 2
- You belong to your choice
  - Who must be in control? (Galatians 5:16).
  - By spirit, meaning, the total of what a person is (thoughts, motives, impulses, desires, actions)
  - By Spirit, meaning, the Spirit of God who has taken up residence in you.
  - The new nature seeks to cause the love of God to flow through you.
  - The old nature is put to death, the new nature is raised to life.
  - FAITH can mean: Forsaking All I Trust Him.
  - The key is surrender, submission, and sacrifice.
  - These are all choices we make every day.
  - If Christ is in you, you have both the power of God and the fullness of God at your disposal.
  - You belong to your choice.
- Bible Study – Romans 8:10-11, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 2:9-10
Day 3
- Under Christ’s Control
  - He gives us abilities.
  - He gives us himself.
  - He gives us the power to have patience, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
  - Baptism does not give you this new nature, it is only a picture of the reality that has happened to Jesus and to you.
  - Notice the connection between Colossians 3:3 and Galatians 2:20.
  - Paul challenges use to make a choice: Colossians 3:1, 2, 5
  - Keep seeking the things above.
  - Choose to reveal this new nature.
- Bible Study – Colossians 3:1-7
Day 4
- Christ within
  - Two words describe our new nature condition: controller and container.
  - Constrain also means control or rule (2 Corinthians 5:14)
  - The love of Christ controls us.
  - We have this treasure inside of an earthen vessel, or container (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
  - You are now controlled by the love of Jesus and you are a container for this new life, the life of Christ.
  - Only the person who has received the new nature of Christ has the capacity to know God.
  - Prayer is a part of your fellowship time with God.
- Bible Study – 2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 5:14-18
Day 5
- Let Christ be Lord
  - Trees are known by it’s fruit. An apple tree will not grow peaces.
  - You cannot counterfeit fruit of the Spirit.
  - If you responded to the call of salvation through Jesus Christ, you have access to the Spirit; he entered at that very moment.
  - We must admit that we are spiritually weak and need supernatural help in this new life God has given.
  - The Spirit of God will intercede for us when we don’t know how to pray or what to pray for.
  - This is part of God taking control of your new life.
  - So far: ONE body, TWO natures
  - Simply let Jesus be himself within you – the indwelling Christ, controlling all.
- Bible Study – Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 8:26-28

WEEK 5 – Two Natures, Part 2 – The Old Nature

Day 1
- Dethrone the king of sin
  - Don’t buy into the belief that sinful nature is just human nature.
  - The new nature tells us we have a choice; we don’t HAVE to sin because we are no longer slaves to sin.
  - When Christ comes into one’s life, he will aid the new believer to live in a way that brings honor to and glory to God.
  - To live the new life, our first step is to dethrone the old king, and then place Jesus on the throne.
  - To become a slave to sin again, it involves a choice, it is now your own will that allows sin. We cannot say, “the devil made me do it.” (James 1:14-16)
  - We must decide who will reign over us: (myself, my old nature, sin, king sin, king I)
  - We cannot let (or yield) any part of our being to sin.
  - My best tool for not sinning (Psalm 119:11).
  - Who will you choose to obey? (sinful self, old nature, or Christ, and the new nature)
- Bible Study – Romans 6:12-18
Day 2
- No Reformation
  - The hard reality: you CANNOT reform your old nature.
  - When you live by your old nature, you will bear the fruit of that nature.
  - Paul struggled, wanting to do good (but I can’t) and not wanting to do evil (but I do).
  - What has been you experience? Similar to Paul in Romans 7?
  - When apple trees have roots, the tree will produce apples, so the old nature cannot help but produce sinful activities.
  - Galatians 5:22-23 describes the kind of fruit we are expected to produce.
  - Galatians 5:19-21 describes the kind of fruit we used to produce (and still have the potential to produce).
  - Many of us trust the old nature way too much, but don’t flirt with temptation.
  - Alcoholics need a sponsor and a support person, someone to call in case of an emergency. It’s NEVER just a little drink!
  - Why do we trust that old nature so much?
  - Remember, you belong to your choice.
- Bible Study – Romans 7:15, 18-21, Galatians 5:19-21, 24-25
Day 3
- Civil War Within
  - The term “civil war” is very descriptive of the Christian life.
  - The struggle continues when we do not make a clear cut choice to abstain from sinful activity.
  - When we are at our lowest, we should also cry out, “who will deliver me?”
  - Paul gives our conqueror a name and a title: Jesus Christ your Lord.
  - Remember to feed the new man rather than the old man (Colossians 3:8-10)
  - We do not allow our carnal flesh to rule over us.
  - There are certain results for the mind set on the old nature and one for the new nature.
  - There are four things written about a person who is not fully yielded to the indwelling Christ (Romans 8:7-8).
  - Have you reached any conclusion about your life?
  - To dwell is to reside permanently (Romans 8:9)
  - Remember that when you cannot put your feelings into word to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for word.
- Bible Study – Romans 7:22-25, 8:5-9
Day 4
- Victory Through Surrender
  - Ephesians 4:22-24 resemble Colossians 3:8-10.
  - Put off the old man and put on the new man.
  - This is an intentional act, this will not happen by accident.
  - In this civil war over your nature, the old nature claims you are committing treason.
  - You MUST lay aside the old nature to live victoriously in Christ.
  - There is a strong connection between your old nature and your mind.
  - While the old nature cannot be renewed, your mind CAN be renewed (Romans 12:1).
  - God’s peace will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ.
  - What can we fill our mind with (rather than the garbage of this fallen world)?
  - We can have complete victory with our overwhelming conqueror, Jesus Christ.
- Bible Study – Ephesians 4:22-24, Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, Philippians 4:7-8
Day 5
- One Decision
  - Did Paul leave any excuse for living in the old nature?
  - In baptism we confess publicly our commitment to following Christ.
  - We are figuratively crucified with Christ.
  - As far as sin is concerned, we are dead to sin.
  - As far as God is concerned, we are alive in Christ. He sees us through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ.
  - Your struggles with the old nature is not a sign you are not a Christian.
  - We must not confuse being busy with the activities of God and living the exchanged life.
  - You cannot wear the mask of doing things for God at the same time not allowing the Spirit to control your life, mind, thoughts, and actions.
  - Wearing a mask is actually living a lie. At some point you will realize that you are becoming a defeated Christian.
  - Remember that you must constantly choose against the old nature.
  - The new life is not just trying to be more like Jesus (in our own strength).
  - When Jesus is Lord, you demonstrate to whom you belong.
  - Being a Christian is not just doing something, it is containing Someone.
  - Jesus becomes your everything.
  - Imagine being a failure at football. You tried your best but it’s just not working. Then the greatest player ever gives you an incredible offer, to supernaturally take the power and strength he possesses and give it to you. Your next game is outstanding and the crowd cheers for you, but you know deep in your heart why you are playing such a brilliant game.
  - Jesus does the exact same thing for his disciples, for the rest of your life.
- Bible Study – Romans 6:1-11

WEEK 6 – Three Aspects of Salvation, Part 1 – Its Beginning and Completion

Day 1
- Three Aspects in One Event
  - You have been granted everything you need to live a victorious Christian life.
  - It is also true that you have been given an inheritance, which you can claim in the present.
  - These three aspects of salvation are past, present, and future (Philippians 1:6).
    - Justification
    - Sanctification
    - Glorification
  - Some say that salvation is the end (aim, result, object) of conversion. If it is, it is at the front end!
  - Conversion and baptism are the beginning of a long and profitable relationship with God.
- Bible Study – Philippians 1:3-11
Day 2
- Salvation Past
  - At the moment you first believed in and received Christ (John 3:3, 1:12).
  - You were at that time made alive in Christ.
  - You were saved by faith through grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
  - You were raised up with Christ.
  - You were made to sit with Christ in the heavenly places.
  - You were far off and now brought near.
  - You were never saved by human effort.
  - You were made righteous before God: justified (“just as if I’d” never sinned, the slate was wiped clean).
  - We are forever amazed at what Christ has done for us, forgiving all the sin and wrong we have done (past, present, and future sin).
  - Jesus placed his life inside of you, making you alive in Christ.
- Bible Study – Ephesians 2:3-6, 12-13, 17-19
Day 3
- Baptism of the Spirit
  - At the moment of saying YES to Jesus, you were saved.
  - Jesus forgave all the sin in your life.
  - The Father now sees you through the blood of Christ, righteous before God.
  - The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are all present in your life.
  - The Trinity cannot be divided.
  - When you received the Son, you received the Father and the Spirit.
  - God has put his stamp of ownership on you, like a signet ring.
  - In Ephesians 2:8-10…
    - How are you saved?
    - Why are you saved?
  - Who have taken up residence in you (1 John 4:12-16)
    - The Son was sent.
    - The Spirit was given.
    - The Father (God) dwells.
  - It is finished: he will never leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
- Bible Study – Romans 8:9-11, Ephesians 1:12-13, 1 John 4:12-16
Day 4
- Salvation Future
  - Ephesians 1:14 mentions a guarantee, something like earnest money, a pledge, or deposit.
  - This is assurance of your inheritance.
  - Your salvation is past and future (1 Peter 1:3-5).
  - Your salvation is also future (1 Peter 1:6-9 refers to your faith in Christ)
    - Faith relates to your salvation past.
    - Faith relates to the trials you face in the present.
    - Faith relates to the testing of your faith in praise, honor, and glory.
  - Remember that we are blessed when we memorize Scripture (Psalm 119:11).
  - Future salvation is so meaningful that the early church fathers called it “our blessed hope.”
- Bible Study – Ephesians 1:13-14, 1 Peter 1:3-9, 13, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18
Day 5
- Free From the Old Nature
  - Part of your salvation will happen only in the future.
  - We live in the midst of two fatal words (Romans 5:12, 6:23).
  - Yet one day we will be rid of both of these = salvation future (1 Corinthians 15:5-57).
  - Our lives in this present world are described how? (2 Corinthians 5:5:1-9)
  - One day we will be at home with the Lord.
  - Compare 2 Corinthians 5:5 with Ephesians 1:13-14.
  - Three aspects of salvation…
    - Saved from the penalty of sin.
    - Saved from the power of sin.
    - Saved from the presence of sin.
- Bible Study – Romans 5:12, 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:50-57, 2 Corinthians 5:1-9

WEEK 7 – Three Aspects of Salvation, Part 2 – a Daily Process

Day 1
- Salvation Present
  - The Three aspects of salvation…
    - Past – by the blood of Christ (Romans 5:9) we were enemies of God (Romans 5:10).
    - Present – by the indwelling Christ (Romans 5:10 is similar to Galatians 2:20).
    - Future – by the return of Christ.
  - What is the use of a pardon that doesn’t give you freedom now?
  - We have the power to choose NOT to sin.
  - We are able to exult in God (Romans 5:11) which brings joy.
  - There is joy when Christ is in control of all.
  - What is the meaning of reconciliation? (Romans 5:10)
  - Reconciliation is the perfect gift.
- Bible Study – Romans 5:6-11
Day 2
- Saved by His Life
  - This is salvation present (the result of your Lord Jesus Christ living in you.
  - He understands your weaknesses and your temptations.
  - Jesus is our high priest who is in the very presence of the Father.
  - Jesus sympathizes with us, knowing what we are going through.
  - Yet without sin!
  - Ask boldly and confidently to resist temptation!
  - Hebrews 2:14-15 give us good information…
    - Jesus destroyed the devil who has the power of death.
    - Jesus delivered all those enslaved by the fear of death.
  - Remember that you are saved by his life (Hebrews 2:18, 1 Corinthians 10:13).
- Bible Study – Hebrews 2:14-15, 18, 4:14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:13
Day 3
- Victory in the Spirit
  - Jesus not only protects us but he also provides all the resources we need.
  - We have it all when we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
    - Passive voice – something that is done to us, we can’t do it to ourselves.
    - Present tense – you are being filled right now.
    - Continuous action – you are to keep on being filled, it’s not a one-time experience.
    - Imperative mood – it is a command to be filled.
  - Paul and Jesus both use this imagery of drink.
    - Paul – be filled with the Spirit (not wine)
    - Jesus – drink of this living water, and it will gush forth.
      - Fruit gushes from the one filled with the Spirit.
      - These rivers of living water are continuous, a present and daily process.
  - What must you realize about yourself before you will want to come to Jesus and drink?
- Bible Study – Ephesians 5:18, John 7:37-39
Day 4
- Working Out What God is Working In
  - The foundation of Christianity is found in Philippians 2:5-8.
  - Jesus was willing to experience being a servant and being human.
  - Being human also included his earthly dead on the cross.
  - He learned obedience through death on the cross.
  - The Father will exalt him higher than anything, and all will confess that he is Lord.
  - If we are saved by faith through grace, what is this working out your own salvation?
    - It’s not about salvation past (Jesus paid it all).
    - It’s not about salvation future (Romans 5:10).
    - It is all about salvation present (day to day walking with Christ, in obedience).
  - Working out our salvation is more working it in: God is working in you to conform to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29).
  - We need the steady flow of the Spirit coming into our personality.
  - Why the fear and trembling?
    - Not in fear of God, but in fear of missing God’s blessing in your life.
    - It is trembling to think about your life without God’s presence being fully in charge of your personality.
  - What has God equipped you to do? (Hebrews 13:20-21)
- Bible Study – Philippians 2:5-13, Hebrews 13:20-21
Day 5
- Salvation is Rescue
  - God has a marvelous process at work in your life.
    - Salvation past – Colossians 1:13-14
    - Salvation present – Colossians 1:10-11
    - Salvation future – Colossians 1:12
  - What does Paul pray that we have? (Colossians 1:9)
  - What does it mean to be full of the knowledge of his will?
  - How will this knowledge prevent us from sinning?
  - When someone is drifting out in the ocean, struggling to stay above water, he will die if someone does not rescue him.
    - What is the element that will kill him?
    - To be saved from the water, he must be taken from the water.
    - The universal element that will kill us all is sin, unless we are rescued.
  - Sin is our self-directed life; self-owned, self-governed, self-regulated.
  - Salvation is God’s act of rescuing you from a self-directed life.
    - Past – he rescued you at a certain point in life.
    - Present – he makes it possible for you to live a Christ-directed life.
    - Future – he will one day free you permanently for the possibility of a self-owned life.
  - All this is possible through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
  - He has a purpose for your life, if you will allow him in.
- Bible Study – Colossians 1:9-14

WEEK 8 – Four Sources of Authority, Part 1 – Three Inadequate Sources

Day 1
- Four Sources of Authority (only 1 is valid)
  - Three inadequate sources (Colossians 2:8).
    - Experiences – we determine truth by our senses, feelings, and emotions (elementary principles of the world).
    - Intellect – we determine truth by our ability to reason what is right or wrong, good or bad (philosophy and empty deception).
    - Tradition – we structure our beliefs which have been important to our ancestors )the traditions of men).
  - Our only source of authority = Scripture – God reveals himself in written form, this knowledge is ultimate and complete.
- Bible Study – Colossians 2:1-4, 8, 20-23
  - What kind of wealth is Paul writing about?
  - Paul desire that they have full assurance of understanding.
  - Why does Paul want them to know the treasures of wisdom and knowledge?
  - What does Paul mean by “taken captive” by these other sources?
  - Self-wisdom is of no value (Colossians 2:20, 23).
Day 2
- Intellect, Reason, and Logic
  - History tells us that mankind uses poor judgment all the time.
  - We think we’re so smart and have intellectual gotcha questions to avoid God’s authority over our lives and eternity.
  - Humans uses debate and dispute to argue against God.
  - Earthly wisdom is declared foolishness.
  - God’s foolishness is still wiser than human wisdom.
  - What kind of wisdom does Paul teach? (1 Corinthians 2:7-8)
  - Why do people not understand who Jesus is or what he has done? (1 Corinthians 2:9-11)
  - How important is the Holy Spirit? (1 Corinthians 2:12-13)
  - Why is it impossible to find God through our own intellect? (1 Corinthians 2:14)
- Bible Study – Mark 12:18-25, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 2:7-14
Day 3
- Experiences, Visions, and Impressions
  - People with an experience will often rise their level of authority.
  - When someone claims they had a vision from God, how can we dispute that?
  - God has found a much better way to reveal himself (the standard or canon).
  - Why are experiences and vision so persuasive? (Deuteronomy 13:3)
  - An experience can cause you to worship an angel or some other false religion (Colossians 2:18-19).
  - Are we seeking the next religious experience or are we seeking after fellowship with God?
- Bible Study – Deuteronomy 13:1-4, Colossians 2:18-19
Day 4
- Tradition
  - We have always done it this way.
  - How traditions develop:
    - Someone in the past decided that a certain teaching or custom should be repeated.
    - For that person, the teaching or custom or ceremony was extremely important.
    - Yet the deep-heart meaning of that teaching or custom or ceremony is lost.
  - Tradition can certainly become a jail cell.
  - The Pharisees were critical of the teaching of Jesus: he broke tradition.
  - Jesus taught Scripture over tradition.
  - Tradition cannot bring salvation.
  - Outward expression does not deal with the heart and motives.
  - When trapped by tradition, people lose the true meaning of life.
  - We are saved by the blood of Christ, not our tradition.
- Bible Study – Matthew 15:1-9, 1 Peter 1:18-19
Day 5
- Intellect, Experiences, and Tradition
  - Inadequate sources of authority will never rise above the best mankind can do, when he has no truth from God or his Word.
  - It is not true that all religions lead to the same God; some religions don’t even believe in a Supreme Being.
    - Intellect: the human mind cannot be the final judge of truth.
    - Experiences: human activities cannot be the final source of truth.
    - Tradition: humanity’s past intellect and experiences are no more trustworthy than our present ones.
  - What do man-made teachings lead to? (1 Timothy 1:3-7)
  - What does true teaching from God lead to? (1 Timothy 1:5)
  - Shun and avoid false teaching and foolish ideas.
  - Paul even calls out a couple of guys for turning away from sound doctrine.
  - There is one firm foundation that will hold teachers accountable to sound doctrine.
- Bible Study – 1 Timothy 1:3-7. 6:20-21, 2 Timothy 2:15-17

WEEK 9 – Four Sources of Authority, Part 2 – One True Source

Day 1
- Sacred Scripture, the Only Safe Authority
  - Today we have the classic pro-Bible statement.
  - How long had Timothy been a student of the Scriptures?
  - What other writing can lead someone to salvation?
  - How important is continuing in the Scripture?
  - Timothy’s family was multi-generational.
  - What are your thoughts about the women in Timothy’s life (where are the men)?
    - If Timothy’s father was dead or removed from the house, Paul became his spiritual father.
    - Who are the influences in your life?
  - Who inspired the writing of Scripture?
  - Who is the real author of the Bible?
  - What four things will Scripture do?
    - Teaching: which path are we to take?
    - Rebuking: how did we get off the path?
    - Correcting: how can we get back on the path?
    - Training: how can we stay on the path and avoid the ditches?
  - How is God’s Word “God-breathed”?
  - How long have you been a student of the Bible?
- Bible Study – 2 Timothy 1:1-2, 5, 3:14-17
Day 2
- Scripture Before Experience
  - Peter records a marvelous experience in his life.
  - Our two passages reveal that Peter knew what he was talking about.
  - The transfiguration was not some cleverly devised tale or made-up story.
  - Peter writes with confidence and assurance, and that his experience was backed up by the prophets, who wrote what God told them to write.
  - Peter affirms that the Bible is NOT what? (2 Peter 1:20-21)
    - A private interpretation of truth.
    - A result of human will.
  - Peter affirms what about the Bible? (God-breathed upon men to record God’s truth).
  - What is meant by the term, prophecy?
    - Foretelling – speaking God’s words through prophets, God’s mouthpiece.
    - Forth-telling – speaking God’s message to those who are far from God.
- Bible Study – 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-5
Day 3
- An Amazing Book
  - Hundreds of statements that were fulfilled in the future.
  - The Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament.
  - Yet Jesus made his own predictions about the future…
    - He was going to prepare a place for you in heaven
    - He would come again and take you there to be with him.
  - God fulfilled prophecies in the past, we can have confidence that he will fulfill prophecies in the future.
  - The bible has an amazing theme running through it all.
  - The Bible is all about God’s promise of deliverance.
    - Moses was a deliverer of God’s people, a type of Christ.
    - The lamb was the sacrifice of forgiveness and protection, a type of Christ.
    - Joshua took the people into the promised land, a type of Christ.
- Bible Study – Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1-6, 27:13-14, 38, 57-60, Isaiah 53:5, 7, 9, John 14:2-3, 19:1, 4, 34, 20:25
Day 4
- An Eternal Source of Wisdom and Righteousness
  - What does the Bible say about itself?
    - There are many different expressions for the Word of God: law, commandments, precepts, statutes, judgments.
    - The “Word of God” has a broader meaning than just the Bible alone: it means anything that God says about himself (through the voice of a prophet, the majesty of creation, through ordering human history.
  - The Word of God expresses the very nature of God, including the writings.
  - In today’s lesson, the Bible is…
    - Eternal (or everlasting)
    - A source of wisdom
    - A source of righteousness
  - The Bible is inspire by the Spirit of God so it can be interpreted rightly only be people indwelled by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14).
  - Where is the authority of the Scriptures to be kept? (Psalm 37:31)
- Bible Study – Psalm 19:7-11, 37:29-31, 119:89-91, 98-101, 130, 160, Isaiah 40:6-8, Mark 13:31
Day 5
- Four Sources of Authority? Or One?
  - Four sources of author y, yet only one is trustworthy.
  - Paul knew the trustworthiness of the Scripture (1 Corinthians 15:3-7).
  - The earliest Christian creed is the gospel definition of 1 Corinthians15:3-4)
  - Apollos needed more time in the Scripture for better understanding and doctrine.
  - We must also use the Scripture to be prepared with sound doctrine.
  - Some people are already teachers and need to be taught the basics of God’s Word.
  - Intellect is merely an instrument to be used in seeking God’s guidance.
  - Your fellowship with God must never be replaced by magnifying your experiences with God.
  - Tradition is rooted in the past experiences with God but only the blood of Jesus sets us free. Jesus came to give us reality, not formalism.
- Bible Study – 1 Corinthians 15:3-7, Acts 18:24, 28, Hebrews 5:12-14

WEEK 10 – The 5&5 Principle – Five You Can Win by Prayer

Day 1
- The Five and Five Principle
  - What can I do about my friends who don’t know Jesus?
  - Pray for them: who are five people who may be open to learning about Jesus.
    - You can do more than just pray, after you have prayed.
    - You can do no more than pray, until you have prayed.
    - Don’t be anxious over all this.
    - You can pray for all people, even without their permission. Why? (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
      - God wants all people to be saved.
      - God wants everyone to know the truth.
    - What’s this lifting holy hands? (1 Timothy 2:8) a traditional prayer posture in Paul’s day. Kneeling may be more appropriate.
    - Posture of prayer is not important, but the habit of prayer is very important.
    - Bible study is also an important habit: The Spirit speaks to us through the pages of the Bible.
    - The Principle…
      - Five friends who will hear me out about Jesus.
      - Five friends who refuse to listen about Jesus.
  - Witness to them: (the next lesson)
- Bible Study – Philippians 4:6, 1 Timothy 2:1, 3-4, 8
Day 2
- A Little Faith is Enough
  - Sometimes we feel that our faith is not strong enough.
  - Maybe we don’t have all the answers.
  - I’m not really good at prayer.
  - To be honest, my faith is really weak.
  - Jesus always reminds us that small faith is always enough, but it can also grow.
  - We all struggle with doubts.
  - Prayer is letting Christ use his power to work in your area of need (in your life or someone else).
  - Your faith is always large enough.
- Bible Study – Matthew 17:20, 21:21-22, James 1:5-8, John 6:37
Day 3
- Three Aspects of Prayer
  - Already learned about the three aspects of salvation (past, present, and future).
  - Yet there are three aspects of prayer: We fellowship with God through prayer.
    - Asking – involves something you already know about (like your love for God).
    - Seeking – involves requesting something you do not know about.
    - Knocking – involves asking Jesus to enter an area of need that is behind closed doors.
  - If humans fathers know how to give good things to their kids, how much more will God give to those he loves?
- Bible Study – Matthew 7:7-11
Day 4
- Prayer is Important
  - Paul knew prayer is important (Philippians 4:6)
  - Jesus knew prayer is important (Matthew 7:7-8)
  - When did Jesus pray?
  - Where did Jesus pray?
  - Jesus made prayer a habit (Luke 22:39)
  - Jesus prayed throughout the night when needed (Luke 6:12)
  - When and where are your prayer times with God?
  - Continue to pray the 5&5 principle list.
- Bible Study – Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12, 22:39-41
Day 5
- Prayer Brings the Power to Win
  - Always remember to ask, seek, and knock in dealing with prayer.
  - We are to ask in a certain way (John 14:13-14)
  - How much power and authority does God have? (Matthew 28:18-20)
  - Utilize your 5&5 Principle list.
  - Don’t underestimate the power of your prayers.
- Bible Study – John 14:13-14, Matthew 28:18-20

WEEK 11 – THE 5&5 Principle Five You Can Win by Witnessing

Day 1
- What It Means to Be a Witness
  - Always have this 5&5 Principle list on your prayer list.
  - Greek witness = marturia (martyr) meaning “one who furnishes evidence.”
  - Witnessing is not preaching.
  - Actually, witnessing is not something you do, a witness is something you are! (Acts 1:8)
  - The Spirit gives us the power to be a witness.
  - Matthew 28:18-20…
    - A Great Claim
    - A Great Command
    - A Great Promise
  - What relationship is necessary before we can be a witness? (John 15:26-27)
- Bible Study – Acts 1:8, John 15:26-27
Day 2
- Christ Empowers Your Witness
  - Empowerment of the Spirit is the reason we can live the new nature in Christ.
  - Fruit is demonstrated as evidence of the Spirit’s presence.
  - The Spirit filling is the essential ingredient for being a witness.
  - The Spirit allowed these early disciples to be bold in their witness.
  - Even drunk people speak too much while inebriated. So, why not speak more while filled with the Holy Spirit?
  - You have the power to speak about Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19, Ephesians 2:9-10).
  - A witness tells what happened, retelling his own personal experience.
- Bible Study – Ephesians 5:18, Acts 2:1-18
Day 3
- Verbalizing Your Witness
  - A witness shares personal experiences, like, what happened to me.
  - It’s important to use words, not just letting people see your godly life.
    - St. Francis once said, “Preach Christ always, use words if necessary,” which sounds good, but…
    - Imagine trying to eliminate world hunger and saying, “Feed hungry people, use food if necessary.”
  - My witness (testimony) should include a concise retelling of my story.
    - My life and attitudes before following Christ.
    - How I realized God was speaking to me.
    - How I actually became a Christian.
    - What being a Christian means to me.
  - Too, much detail is not necessary, get to the point.
- Bible Study – Romans 1:16, Acts 22:1-15, 26:9-20
Day 4
- The Personal Touch
  - People complained about Jesus (Matthew 9:10-11).
  - Why did Jesus risk criticism by having personal contact with “evil” people?
  - Jesus calls sinners to repentance.
  - He has mercy and compassion on those who are spiritually sick.
  - Paul constantly cultivated relationship with all sorts of people, so God might save some.
  - Paul explains the power of God related to salvation and the gospel (Romans 1:16).
  - Jesus was will to associate and have conversations with the most despised people.
  - Jesus did not have a one-size-fits-all approach to telling the good news.
  - We need to make being a witness our priority.
  - We must be intentional about developing relationships with people who are far from God, in hopes God will save some.
- Bible Study – Matthew 9:10-13, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, John 4:40-41
Day 5
- Pray and Witness
  - Being a Christian is more caught than it is taught.
  - The people of God gathered together and spent time praying.
  - The early church sought to develop relationships outside of the church.
  - It is imperative to maintain strong relationships inside the church for strength, security, and support.
  - But we cannot stay inside of a Christian bubble, having no contact with lost neighbors and coworkers.
  - Body Life is so important, but getting together is not like being a member of a country club. The church gathered is an equipping center on Sunday preparing disciples to enter the mission field outside the doors of the church building.
- Bible Study – Matthew 18:19-20, Acts 2:41-47

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